For my first entry into Art Prize 2024, I created a piece titled Faces of Morocco. This work was inspired by my travels and the vibrant culture of Morocco, focusing on the people I encountered and their unique stories. Using a combination of traditional and digital techniques, I sought to capture the rich diversity and expressive features of the Moroccan people. It’s an honor to be part of such a renowned art event, and I’m excited to see how the piece resonates with both the local audience and visitors from around the world.

I had the chance to contribute to the Storm Drain project in Grand Rapids, where my artwork is now located on the Southwest corner of Lafayette Ave and Michigan St. This project was a meaningful way to blend public art with environmental awareness, highlighting the importance of protecting our waterways. It was an exciting challenge to design a piece that not only added beauty to the streetscape but also carried an important message about sustainability. Being part of this project allowed me to connect with the community in a new way, and I'm proud to have contributed to something with such a positive impact.

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate as an artist at the Fulton Street Art Market, an incredible experience that allowed me to showcase my work directly to the local community. The market was filled with a vibrant mix of creatives and visitors, and I found it both inspiring and energizing to be surrounded by such a supportive and art-loving environment. Meeting people who connected with my work, sharing my creative process, and even swapping ideas with other artists were some of the highlights. It was rewarding to see how my pieces resonated with people in person, and the whole experience has been a reminder of the importance of community in the art world.